Venice Private Gondola Ride: Explore Hidden Canals and Sights
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Step aboard your private gondola and glide through the canals of Venice. Whether you want to meander through hidden corners or glide under famous bridges and sights – this tour satisfies all tastes. Fabio, one of the gondoliers, says, ‘Being a gondolier is so much more than operating a gondola. Over 400 hours go into getting a Gondolier license, learning the ins and outs of the canals, Venetian art and history. You’re really in the safest hands.’
The shortest tour focuses on the San Paolo district. Discover an intimate side of Venice and lesser-known gems. Canal-facing facades are a unique characteristic of Venetian buildings before streets came along – the canals were the streets – and they were a way of showing style and wealth.
If you want to continue to the Grand Canal you can choose the 1-hour tour and If you’re bursting to see Venice’s more famed locations, the 1.5-hour tour showcases the Rialto Bridge area and the longest ride adds St. Mark’s Square to the itinerary.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This activity takes place rain or shine, but please note that in the event of exceptionally high tides or heavy rain, the tour may be cancelled by the local supplier and a full refund will be provided
Each gondola carries a maximum of 5 people (infants included). Larger groups will be divided between multiple gondolas
Please note that babies count as adults. You need to book a ticket even for them
Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour departure time. If you arrive late, the ride will be shorter and for those more than 15 minutes late, this will be considered a no-show
Dogs are allowed on the boat and don't count towards the maximum number of people
Your gondolier can provide commentary and answer any questions you might have about the city , or you can take in the sights and soak up the atmosphere on this relaxing ride
Duration is subject to traffic conditions
Tour starts from the moment of boarding
What To Expect
Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Carmini
Drift past the elegant Carmelite church and feel centuries of history echo off its Renaissance façade. Then swoon at the fairytale charm of Torres’ neo-medieval home—so romantic, it practically whispers sweet nothings to passing lovers.
Ca' Zenobio degli Armeni
Wander through the lavish halls of Palazzo Ca' Zenobio, where elegance meets intrigue—and if you're lucky, you might just stumble upon a film shoot .
Options
90 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
30 minutes Night Rate
Duration: 30 minutes
2 hours
Duration: 2 hours Gondola ride
2 Hours Night Rate
1 hour Night Rate
Duration: 1 hour
30 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes Gondola ride
90 minutes
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Gondola ride
1 Hour
Duration: 1 hour Gondola ride
What‘s Included
Friendly and expert local gondoliere
2-hour tour enjoys the full itinerary
1.5-hour tour goes up to Rialto Market before going back to the meeting point
30-minutes tour goes up to Palazzo Briati before going back to the meeting point
60-minutes tour goes up to San Polo before going back to the meeting point
Choice of a 30-minute, 1-hour, 1.5-hour or 2-hour tour
Transportation to the meeting point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
444 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We had a great gondola...
Karen L,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great gondola ride and our gondolier was excellent. He was so nice and provided lots of information about the area and what we were seeing.
Fun way to spend time in Venice
MaryF G,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a lovely way to see Venice. Peaceful, great guide Eye opening as to the amount of boat traffic on even the back canals. The skill of the boatmen is amazing
This longer gondola ride...
Sharon B,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This longer gondola ride was great for seeing some of the quieter, narrow canals in addition to the Grand Canal. It was very relaxing and not rushed, which was a nice break.
Waste of time.
Amanda G,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Over rated. With how pricy the activity was, you would think the gondolier would introduce himself, and at least point out the items on the tour. Nothing. He was too busy yelling at all his friends on other boats. Waste of time to book in advance.
A very pleasant...
Morgan Z,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A very pleasant experience! I feel like it's a "must-do" if it's your first time visiting Venice but not something you need to do over and over again. Our gondolier was knowledgeable and nice and gave us great insight into the city as we traveled through the canals. It was very hot when we were there and they had umbrellas for us to help keep the sun off.
Venice at Sunset
Jan E,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Because of the daytime heat when we visited Venice, an evening Gandalo experience was preferred. Very enjoyable.
Private gondola ride
Tiffany J,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It's a good experience for a 1st timer who want the freedom for picture opportunities, but if you want to see the more exciting things then this may not be for you.
Nothing special - But Venice is beautiful!
Lehner,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00It was a nice ride, but could have easily just gotten a gondola that night for less than half. I just wanted to have something scheduled and did not know how readily boats were available. Guide didn't say a whole lot. We kinda of had to prompt with questions and I don't feel like we were taken anywhere exceptional/hidden.
The guy never spoke to us...
Mindy G,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The guy never spoke to us We didn’t know what sites we were seeing how much time we had etc. he was on the cellphone more than anything and never spoke a word until we were ready to get off
Glad we done it.
K8971KGkimr,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great experience. Super friendly guide giving us information on the way round.
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